Shorthanded Georgia Rallies for 2-1 Quarterfinal Win over Kentucky

Tuesday, October 31

Pensacola, Fla.

1 p.m.

University of Georgia

9-4-5, 4-3-3

Kentucky

9-4-6, 3-3-4

Kentucky

Georgia

Shorthanded Georgia Rallies for 2-1 Quarterfinal Win over Kentucky

October 31, 2023 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

PENSACOLA, Fla. – Despite being down both a player and a goal, the University of Georgia soccer team persevered for a 2-1 win over Kentucky in the SEC Tournament quarterfinals Tuesday afternoon at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex.

With the win, Georgia (9-4-5) advanced to its second-consecutive SEC Tournament semifinals, the program's first back-to-back appearances in the conference's final four since 1996-97. The Bulldogs will face the South Carolina-Texas A&M winner on Thursday, Nov. 2 at 8:30 p.m. EDT on SEC Network.

Graduate midfielder Mallie McKenzie powered Georgia with the match of her life, assisting on the equalizer by graduate midfielder Croix Bethune before scoring the winning goal in the 81^st minute off an assist from redshirt senior midfielder Nicole Vernis. Bethune led the Bulldogs with five shots, while sophomore defender Cate Hardin tallied a career-high four shots. In goal, sophomore keeper Jordan Brown notched four saves against seven shots from Kentucky (9-4-6).

Georgia's adversity began almost immediately as SEC Co-Freshman of the Week Summer Denigan was shown a red card in the third minute of play. Denigan's elbow was struck by a Kentucky corner kick, necessitating the red card and setting up a Wildcat penalty, which was converted by Úlfa Úlfarsdóttir for the early lead. The Bulldogs controlled the tempo for remainder of the first half, outshooting the Wildcats, 10-5, but remained stifled by the one-goal difference.

In the second half, Georgia increased the offensive pressure, putting up a pair of shots on frame in the first 10 minutes of play. Finally, in the 63^rd minute, the Bulldogs earned a corner kick, setting up the eventual Bethune equalizer. McKenzie knocked in a beautiful cross that was netted by a streaking Bethune for the score.

With the match reset, Georgia continued to battle as the end of regular time neared. In the 81^st minute, Vernis and McKenzie played a two-man game that concluded with McKenzie scoring from just outside the six. Úlfarsdóttir nearly tied the score in the 89^th minute, but Brown was able to make the save and secure the comeback victory, the Bulldogs' third of the season.

For complete information on Georgia soccer, follow the team on its social media channels via @UGASoccer on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.